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Seasons of the Lukoi #4

Autumn of the Witch

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A witch and her husband rescue a toymaker in the woods, but this is no ordinary fairytale…

While most Lukoi spend their days preparing for a long, dangerous winter, Micah Firekeeper is a toymaker. He lives alone in his great-grandmother’s cottage, making beautiful designs full of color and life. When a fire destroys his home and all of his creations, Micah is taken in by Viv and Sasha, a married couple who live in the underground Compound. Viv is a witch, and she sees in Micah a kindred spirit. Sasha is a submissive who loves deeply and finds joy in small pleasures, and between his exuberance and Viv’s compassion, Micah begins to forge a new life. But as autumn approaches, something sinister stirs in the woods, and Micah, Viv, and Sasha will have to band together to protect what they hold dear.

AUTUMN OF THE WITCH is a polyam romance featuring m/m/f, m/m, and m/f scenes.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2022

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About the author

Iris Foxglove

28 books195 followers
Iris Foxglove is the shared pen name of Avon Gale (she/her) and Fae Loxley (he/him). Avon and Fae met in fandom in 2019, and began writing fanfiction together in 2020 during lockdown. They eventually decided to collaborate on original fantasy fiction, and haven't looked back since.

They write queer fantasy with an emphasis on biological imperative, natural power exchange dynamics, complex worldbuilding and unforgettable characters.

You can follow Iris on twitter @irisfoxglove, or sign up for Iris' newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hrhA6z

Iris also has a brand-new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/irisfoxglove

Iris' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

You can also follow the authors individually on Twitter and Facebook:

Avon Gale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avongalewrites
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2p8hz4fv

Fae Loxley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fae_loxley
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/mrxt2fnn

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Community Reviews

5 stars
61 (45%)
4 stars
50 (37%)
3 stars
18 (13%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Merrikat.
66 reviews
June 24, 2022
Of course I loved this one! I still think the third is my favorite, but I'm low-key in love with Viv, so this might have to be a poly relationship with me and these books. I'm a fangirl so I always love this world and these characters, but as someone with a complicated family of her own, I appreciated the deft touch here with both that and the portrayal of chronic illness. Viv allowing herself to work at forgiveness -- not promising or even granting it, just the idea that she might try if and when her mother actually earns it -- was lovely, and Viv not being "cured" with magic was also very appreciated. Sasha was everything, and I loved how cheerful and protective he was. And Micah's anxiety rang very true. I love how the rep in these books are just people being who they are, with their stories building on their experiences, instead of characters defined by them, if that makes sense. They read like actual people, and while it's fantasy and the kink is obviously not realistic, the way the characters and their arcs play out seem very relatable. I don't know what it's like to be a witch or a bio sub who lives in the woods, but I sure know about anxiety and navigating complicated family and chronic illness. Anyway, I like that a lot about these books. I wish they had a wider audience, but here's hoping they'll get there.

I remain delighted to see more than just m/m in queer romance spaces, especially such a niche genre as queer fantasy. It's nice to see, especially given how vocal the opposition to more inclusive pairings in queer rom can be. Looking forward to the next series from this author duo!
Profile Image for hea booktubes.
1,863 reviews386 followers
June 28, 2022
Polyamorous witchy dominant/submissive, sadist/masochist. One of the witches has a chronic illness, the other seemed to be autistic but that could be the wrong label. The giant submissive was a delight. I really loved it.
Profile Image for Florence ..
1,115 reviews310 followers
July 18, 2022
Oh how I enjoyed this book. The dynamic in this book was just so good to me. It was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better dynamic, I just enjoyed it, so so much. Also, I just really appreciated the romance in this one. And I will never praise the world building of this series enough, it’s just so good. The world building is just so much fun and all of the magic elements in this book was a lot of fun to read about.

I just really really enjoyed reading this book.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,530 reviews25 followers
June 21, 2022
This book weaves together a number of threads: the paranormal, magic, and the evolution of a relationship full of healing, heat, and feeling. All three of the principal characters in this story are well-drawn and likable in their own right, but while I was fond of Micah and Viv, Sasha was, for me, hands down the best. I love his personality, the way he inhabits his role in their relationship, and all the things he brings to the story. It’s impressive, too, on a series-wide level, that the authors build a wide variety of personality and preference into the biologically imperative D/s dynamics that characterize the world-building here: it’s a feature, not a bug of the universe these characters inhabit but each one does so in ways that suit them as individuals, and that for me that’s refreshing and much needed–it moves the needle from “potentially restrictive (and not in the fun way) social dynamic” to “fascinating reflection of characters’ individual needs within a common framework.” Speaking of the series, if you haven’t already read the previous books, I’d definitely recommend them! It’s not technically necessary for this story to make sense, but you’ll get context on some of the characters and more immersion in the world building, plus they’re also just awesome.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary of this book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,012 reviews
August 10, 2022
When I heard that this had chronic illness rep (recommended by heabooktubes in her Romance Recommendations with Disability and Chronic Illness Representation video), I was intrigued and the fairytale/fantasy setting made me even more interested to pick this up.

Micah is a toy maker (how cool is that?) but he struggles with anxiety. I am not sure if he is on the autism spectrum too. After his cottage burns down, he is taken in by a married couple, Viv and Sasha. Viv is a witch with a chronic illness and Sasha is the hunter, super cheerful and a submissive. She is protective of Micah because she has not met another witch before. I liked how there was a found family aspect going on here. Both of them made their home a safe space and were not judgemental of how Micah behaves. I loved that.

Viv might be sarcastic, prickly and direct but she has a soft heart. The authors made sure to craft characters who are dominant and submissive respectively but showed that that aspect wasn't all they were. I liked the multi-faceted view. It was nice to see different body shapes too: Viv being petite, Sasha big and muscular then Micah tall and lean.

I appreciated the anxiety and chronic illness representation as I could relate to it. It is realistic that even by the end of the story, Viv's illness is not cured and all of them are prepared for her relapses to occur.

This book features a m/m/f relationship or polyamory between three people. It is not mainstream and could seem taboo but it was interesting to read about how the relational, emotional and sexual dynamic works between three people. There was definitely a BDSM aspect too in the context of this fantasy world but good that the authors caution that it isn't an accurate representation of BDSM irl. It was uncomfortable to read about how Sasha likes being scratched till he bleeds and getting off on the pain.

All in all, a comforting and low angst fantasy romance that is fine to read as a standalone.

Tropes: Found family
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 15 books74 followers
June 1, 2022
The final book in this series returns us to the island of Lukoi and features characters we have met in previous installments. This book can probably work as a stand-alone, but you will miss so much of the amazing worldbuilding that has gone into almost every element of this story. The events that lead Micah to Sasha and Viv occur pretty much the instant this book starts, and even when their connection becomes an inevitability, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey I took with these characters. (I’m also a little pleased with myself for correctly predicting this particular romantic connection back when I read book 2.)

The spooky aspect of this story is also presented early in the text, but our heroes don’t immediately jump into investigating it. They are much too busy preparing for winter, learning more about magic, and seducing their unexpected houseguest. Though the spooky bit could have been woven a bit more into the middle of the story, plenty of tension still existed in the plot based on their shifting relationship dynamics and Viv’s chronic illness. Sasha focuses on the next winter, and Micah’s past means he doesn’t focus much on the future at all, but Viv is matter-of-fact about her future to an admirable and heartbreaking point.

Eventually, Foxglove comes full circle with every thread of the various plots within this book, from the paranormal (which seems silly to say in a world with literal magic, but I’m going with it) to Viv’s family issues to Micah’s personal healing. Sasha is just happy to be there and give snuggles, but his sheer presence and support in the lives of the other two play just as integral a role in the story as Micah’s and Viv’s magical abilities.

This story unfolds on a less epic scale than Summer of the Wanderer, but it stays true to the heart of the series and I enjoyed it just as much. Foxglove continues to add to their amazing fantasy world, in which the biological power exchange element adds some fun spice, but fits perfectly into the fantasy romance genre regardless. I’m thrilled that another series set in this universe is already in the works because these books have been some of the reading highlights of my year.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced review ebook from the authors.
Profile Image for E..
2,118 reviews21 followers
June 17, 2022
4.25 stars

“Autumn of the Witch” by Iris Foxglove is the fourth book of the ‘Seasons of the Lukoi’ series that features a group of individuals who have found a way to not only survive, but thrive--despite extremely harsh conditions. Mikail Firekeeper is a loner who has occasionally interacted with others, but prefers living as a hermit…until tragedy strikes and nearly destroys him. He’s rescued by an unlikely married couple consisting of a domme witch named Viv and her enthusiastic lover, Sasha, who coax Mikail to let down his walls. Unfortunately, the couple have their own challenges…that may prove fatal if the three of them can’t figure out a solution.

This exciting and imaginative conclusion to a unique paranormal series gives insight about a special couple who have had pivotal roles in previous stories and now get their time in the spotlight. I loved the way Sasha is so comfortable in his skin and the contrast with the skittish Mikail, who like a feral cat, is slow to trust, but learns to purr with happiness. Viv is sharp and snarky, and the evolution of the relationship that is partly due to forced proximity and partly because they mesh so well as a polyamorous triad is fascinating to watch.

Each of the books in this series features memorable characters, and I sincerely hope that the series doesn’t actually end here as planned. The magic in this book is a bit contorted and uncomfortable, just like Viv’s relationship with her mother, but any darkness that threatens to weigh down on the reader is dispelled by Sasha, who is willing to fight to the death to protect these two unique folks in his life.

Although this can possibly be read as a stand-alone story, it will be better savored if the other books in the series are also enjoyed.

A copy of this title was provided for review
Profile Image for Scatteredashes.
502 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2022
Sasha 100% makes this story amazing! Don't get me wrong, I love Viv and Micha but Sasha totally stole my heart. While this one could be read as a stand alone, I feel that reading Spring of the Wolf first would really help. It's where we first run in with these three and it's set up just a touch of ground work for Micha. While there's magic in most (if not all) of the books from this world for some reason this one felt the most magic heavy. Not sure if it's the two witches or the shadows but I thought it was really fantastical and I liked that. Micha and Viv's history with being unwanted/hurt by family really hit me hard and I love the found family they were able to carve out. Lots of healing for both of them and it was great to see Micha learning to believe in his worth.

I can't believe this is the last book in this series! I do hope that we some day get to return to this world. There's so much to explore and I love the way it feels new each time Iris Foxglove writes one of these stories!
142 reviews
November 24, 2023
The book wasn't bad, but I got to it through a recommendation, and it wasn't what I signed up for, really.
The portrayal of BDSM dynamics wasn't really doing it for me, Sasha just seemed to shallow in his desire for pain just for the sake of it. If there was some explanation behind it, I guess, but him fighting in the pit just to get beat up? Please.
Micah was really sweet, but I wished his backstory was a little bit more thought out, tbh.
I really liked Viv, even her backstory was interesting.
The whole creature subplot was so interesting, but I feel like it could be so much more, it kinda felt like an afterthought and a bit lazy since it didn't really tie into the story that well. I mean, Sasha finds it in the woods one day, then it's mentioned like twice, and suddenly it is the main reason for Viv's sickness? C'mon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for avis03.
362 reviews22 followers
July 9, 2023
MMF, Fantasy, 3rd Rotating POV

Notes: Forced Proximity, Existing Relationship (Sasha and Viv) Adding a Third (Micah), Domestic Vibes, Sick/Caretaking, Childfree, MC Isn't ~Magically Healed~

Viv (FMC): Witch, Domme, Sadist

Sasha (MMC): Himbo, "I Love My Wife", Sub, Masochist

Micah: Toy Maker, Shy, Dom, Sadist

Rep: Chronic Illness (Viv), Social Anxiety and Agoraphobia (Micah)

Neurodivergent Vibes: Micah

Sex Notes: D/S, S/M, Sub Space, Dpm Space, Face Sitting, Pain Play, Praise, Slapping, Magic Sex, Breath Play, Scratching, Salt Play(?), Flogging, Caning, Biting, Blowjob, Verse MMCs
Profile Image for A ☾.
707 reviews220 followers
June 22, 2022
Okay, this one was for sure my favorite of the series. I just loved so much Sasha, Viv, and Micah. They were lovely and I loved their chemistry and love for one another.

Also, Sasha? My favorite character, hands down. He was such a good husband, a very himbo masochist husband. Love him so much🤧

I don't tend to finish series that are companions (I always end up losing interest), so this is a testament to how good this series was that I read all the four books and adored them very much. Makes me sad to leave these characters🤧
Profile Image for Petra Hart.
1,087 reviews37 followers
March 2, 2024
Cheerful crudity and enthusiastic, loving S&M

This is an odd niche within a niche, but quite charming if, like me, you enjoy reading stories of vivid characters with a dose of cheerful crudity and enthusiastic, loving S&M.

It’s an MMF (and DDs) fantasy in a quasi medieval world where one’s dom/sub dynamic is used at the same level as gender when referring to other adults, something I thought was rather interesting world-building.
Profile Image for Batwoman.
548 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2022
This author never lets me down and I can not wait for more books!! After meeting Viv, Sasha, and Micah in other books I’m so happy to finally get their story. They are all very unique in their own way. Once Viv and Sasha got to know Micah, the three were perfect. Even through their problems. If you haven’t read this author I very very highly recommend you do. Absolutely one of my favorites!
Profile Image for anna.
1,147 reviews17 followers
March 26, 2024
i liked characters more than i liked the plot. but nevertheless this book was definitely better than the previous one.

i adored sasha and the way he loved viv.
“Sasha, are you giggling?”
He shook his head, but he was, kind of. Having her like this, warm and eager, riding his face … it made him so happy, so turned on, so everything.”
Profile Image for Kareena.
1,858 reviews26 followers
May 12, 2025
My favorite of the four! Their throuple is adorable! I appreciated how each of the three had their own struggles but fit together like puzzle pieces. Sasha is my favorite cinnamon roll. Viv is spicey and sassy. Micah, UGH! I loved watching Sasha and Viv care for him and help him learn who he really is. A beautiful end to the series.
Profile Image for Simon.
1,489 reviews8 followers
Read
July 13, 2022
Last of the Lukoi series. Interesting to see how the Lukoi culture has opened and transformed over the course of this series too. As usual, love the characters, their relation with each other, their active, engaged healing.
1,847 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2023
What a trio

These guys fit together like pieces of a puzzle. This story had an interesting puzzle/mystery in its center that was intriguing. Kind of a quiet story with vibrant characters.
Profile Image for Brittany.
238 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2022
Great book and series as always from this writing duo! Very excited about the new series set in this universe!
Profile Image for Randi.
12 reviews
June 24, 2022
Loved this one and Sasha, but Micah was my favorite. His gentle acceptance of being cared for and his yearning to be a part of Sasha and Viv's family was wonderful.
Profile Image for Hani.
1,320 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2025
I wanted more toys. Also warning: despite it being a threesome, they didn't penetrate all at the same time.
Profile Image for Lydia Gates.
Author 6 books20 followers
May 29, 2022
I received my ARC and read it into submission in one evening because it was just so good! Everyone gets a hug from Sasha right now.

In this installment we get to revisit characters we’ve met before and have a nuanced portrayal of both mental illness and chronic physical illness where characters are supported but not cured by their significant others. ALSO family trauma and grief are used in the plot with interesting results that don’t fix everything neatly, but do allow healing for the characters.

It is a polyam book (which is my favorite) and I love that the submissive character calls one of his dominants “boss;” it’s so cute and perfect for them, glad they used something unique and not just the standard “sir” or “master” which would have felt odd. The third character joins an established relationship, but it’s handled well and couple privilege is addressed. The biological imperative kink in this author’s worldbuilding continues to be used to create diverse and interesting characters, with the submissive true masochist in this installment being completely different from the one in the first book of the Starian Cycle.

I feel like this review is very rambling, but definitely check out this story. <3

Profile Image for Jæ Dixon.
30 reviews
June 5, 2022
I really enjoy the triads in this series. It's wonderful to see the mix of personalities, sexual experiences, & ways in which they live their lives. Seeing our quiet toy maker bloom into something beyond the man in the woods was wonderful. This story isn't as intense as book 3 (in my opinion) and the epilogue won't gut you. I still have feelings about the last book. All good, all good. I look forward to whatever Iris & Foxglove write next!
Profile Image for Ave.
107 reviews
May 29, 2022
A beautiful book! Features:
🍁a himbo sunshine masochist who is the best bean ever
🍁learning to love one’s self
🍁chronic illness and disability well explored and isn’t magically fixed
🍁slightly spooky elements that had me reading in the safety of my many, many blankets
🍁trying to rebuild a broken familial relationship. It’s not easy and there is no forgiveness immediately, nor should there be. Relationships take more than love to build, and harm spread out over decades can’t be waved away by a single act.
🍁 hot BDSM scenes, a staple of Iris Foxglove’s works
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews